Jacob and Esau: A Look into God’s Election and Human Folly

16 Mar Jacob and Esau: A Look into God’s Election and Human Folly

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Preacher Huijun - 20 November 2014

Repaying A Debt Of Love

We often think it is hard to evangelise because we are inadequate in far too many areas. For example, we cannot talk as well as the preachers in the church, we are weak in faith and thus on what grounds we can tell others how strong Christ has been in our lives, and when we look at our actions, we find ourselves committing more mistakes in life than non-believers. Actually, evangelism starts from the right heart. The central of evangelism is a person, after receiving the love and grace of God, sees how much the others around her need this love and complete gospel of God too. The burden she has for others based on the truth she has heard and convicted of propels her to speak what God wants her to speak and testify what God wants her to testify in her current conditions. When one receives the conviction to evangelise, all her conditions are conditions God will use to manifest His glory, reaching out to the harassed and helpless people in the world who are chosen to respond to the love of God. Therefore, evangelism is not an enforced activity but natural product in children of God who strive to follow God in all their ways. With this, contrary to what people of the world think, all the time, effort and things she has sacrificed in evangelising will not feel like a loss but worthwhile devotion because she sees the overflowing love she receives from God gives rise to the need to repay the debt of love of God.

Related Topics: Evangelism & Missions | More Messages from Preacher Huijun

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Which comes first in salvation? Did we first believe in Jesus thus we are saved? Or were we first elected by God thus we could be saved in the end? From the example of Jacob and Esau, it is clear that salvation first came from God rather than any human factor. But while God offers grace, let us not be foolish to miss out on His grace. Often, when we exaggerate our needs and feelings and pursue instant gratification, we fall into folly. But the word of God can make us wise for salvation. Thus, may we treasure the word of God and take it seriously, so that we can stay on the course of wisdom.

Verses to Read: <Genesis 25:21-34>

1. God’s election not dependent on human works.

1) Esau and Jacob both undeserving sinners.

  • Esau’s folly and sin did not make Jacob less sinful.
  • Though God does not approve of Jacob’s method, God can still use it to fulfill His plan.

2) Salvation is by God’s sovereign grace alone.

  • Divine grace not based on any human factor.
  • Receive assurance of salvation from “God-factor”.
  • Salvation starts from God, not us <Ep 1:4; Ro 10:14-15>.
  • God’s saving plan cannot be frustrated by human sin.

3) Yet, we cannot judge who is “Esau” or “Jacob”.

2. The folly of despising spiritual blessings.

* Birthright: Special status of firstborn >>> symbolizes the father’s strength >>> double share of inheritance

1) It was not merely a moment of folly for Esau, but he had always been foolish.

  • <Heb 12:16>: Esau was godless to sell his birthright.
  • <Gen 26:34-35> Esau married pagan women, bringing grief to his parents.

2) How can we avoid falling into folly?

(a) Beware of “exaggerated needs or feelings”.

(b) Beware of “instant gratification”.

  • Impatience = Folly

(c) Restore wisdom from the word of God.

  • Always choose to recall, believe and act by God’s truth first.
  • The word of God makes us wise for salvation <2 Ti 3:15>.

3. The struggle between people of God and those who are not.

  • <v23> “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided.” [ESV]
  • Spiritual VS Carnal; Holy Spirit VS Flesh
  • We need to live differently from the world.
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Preacher Hui Jun
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Huijun serves as Secretary of The Blessed RUN Ministries. She is also the Preacher at The Life Church and Missions (Singapore). She graduated from Singapore Bible College and currently lives in Singapore with her husband, Chengji.

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